NNRTI & Lipitor

Jan 9, 2005

What is your feeling about Lipitor to lower cholesterol in patients on nnrti regimens? I've been on Sustiva/Truvada for 14 weeks with great results but have been battling high cholesterol for about 10 years, HDL high, LDL low, well controlled by Lipitor, but am not taking it now. I'm 40 and very thin 5'8, 135. I understand these drugs are metabolized by the same enzymes in the liver, so are interactions an issue?

Response from Dr. Pierone

Lipitor is safe and effective when used in combination with NNRTI-based therapy and is one of the workhorse agents for cholesterol reduction in this situation. The interactions are an issue with protease-inhibitors, especially ritonavir (Norvir). Lipitor can still be used with protease inhibitors, but with more caution and in lower dosage.

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